Criminals are increasingly using sophisticated technology to target high-end vehicles featuring keyless or smart-entry systems and emergency start capabilities, says Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM).

The rise in these crimes has partly been attributed to new modus operandi on the part of criminals and syndicates and affects automotive brands across the board, notes the car manufacturer.

TSAM adds that it has been working hard to gather intelligence on the various new methods used by criminals, especially cyberattacks that exploit a vehicle’s computer-controlled systems.

These new methods include CAN attacks, fob relaying and a combination of forced entry and key cloning.

A CAN attack happens when a vehicle’s control area network is infiltrated using electronic equipment to gain entry and to access the computer system to start the engine.

Fob relaying is achieved using high-tech receivers and transmitters to remotely read a vehicle’s security key while in the possession of the owner, thereby allowing the attacker to unlock and start the vehicle.

The third, a combination of forced entry and key cloning, is executed using advanced techniques and equipment to disable the vehicle’s alarm system, and to then clone its security key.

TSAM says it has developed several measures to mitigate the possible theft of Toyota and Lexus-branded vehicles in the country through the use of these methods.

These measures have been shared with the Toyota dealer network through practical online sessions and bulletins. They have also been reviewed and evaluated by VSS Administration – an independent South African organisation that specialises in vehicle security and automotive systems.

“We, as Toyota, are committed to developing safe and reliable vehicles and we will continue with our research and development to further enhance our vehicle security systems,” says TSAM sales and marketing senior VP Leon Theron.

“I would also like to add that vehicle owners will not negate the warranty on their vehicles should they elect to fit an aftermarket security device – provided that these are installed correctly by a reputable fitment centre.”

Theron adds that customers who own a number of selected Toyota models can take them to their nearest dealership for security enhancements from the first week of December.

He says new vehicles, as well as those arriving at dealers for servicing, will automatically receive these enhancements at no cost the customer.

The vehicles affected are Hilux Legend models from 2019; all Fortuner models from 2016; Land Cruiser Prado (VX and VXL models from 2017); all Land Cruiser 200 with smart entry, Land Cruiser 300 models; and all Lexus RX and LX models from 2015.